Step 3 :: 4Kids Web Site Evaluation Guidelines

Sites that 4Kids features are organized in a youth-friendly search engine called Cool Spots. Read about the important evaluation criteria considered to evaluate 4Kids featured Web sites so that the Web site you find can be the next Cool Spot 4Kids.

http://www.ala.org/ala/acrl/acrlpubs/crlnews/backissues1998/julyaugust6/ teachingundergrads.htm

Kathy Shrock's ABCs of Web site Evaluation article

http://www.cyberbee.com/guides.html

*A rubric to conduct a complete analysis of your site using 4Kids Web Site Evaluation Guidelines is available on RubiStar by searching for Rubric ID# 1305223.

Information that we post is considered 'fair use' and you can read why at http://www.cyberbee.com/cb_copyright.htm.

We try not to feature duplicate information from sites over a period of 5 years, but that is not to say that we don't feature content from the same developer more than once a year. It is possible that a site will launch a new section of content and staff may choose to feature the new aspect of the site because it is worthwhile to feature in 4Kids.

Writers try not to feature more than one site from an agency each issue. For example, we would try not to feature two sites from the Smithsonian in one 4Kids issue. 4Kids staff try to present current, fresh content to readers, and this approach to searching assures that we provide the best content to our target audience.

Sites should have no advertising and be non-commercial.

Sites that have banner ads, the over-all intent to sell something, or embedded Google ad boxes are not desired for publication. However, there are a few exceptions. We have featured sites with sub-sections that give the viewer the opportunity to purchase something, like a book. We have also featured sites, such as National Geographic, with banners that appear to be advertisements, but usually only lead to other parts of the main site. Good judgment is the best key to determining whether a site contains enough educational content to warrant a feature, even if it does not meet the most stringent requirements. It is also recommended that you click through the site to make sure that links on the page support 4kids site guidelines.

Sites should be appropriate for children of all ages.

4kids readership ranges from the youngest readers to adults, but featured content targets late elementary or early middle school students. A featured site should not contain material that could be inappropriate for young children. No sites should contain gratuitous or lewd nudity, obscene wording, or images of graphic violence and death. Sites should also be COPPA compliant. Safe Surfing on 4Kids has more information about how to stay safe on the Internet.

Sites should contain original content presented in an appealing manner. Sites should be content driven, not link driven.

A links page is fine, but sites should contain enough original content to be satisfactorily self-contained. Remember the three click rule when you are evaluating sites. You should click through links on sites and make sure that the site does not take you to inappropriate information. Sites also should be easily navigable with content, graphics or activities that would be interesting for youth. Sites do not need be purely educational.

Sites should not be out-dated or have a short fuse.

A site created 8 years ago from a reputable source would be fine, as long as it is obviously updated. This will be indicated by the copyright date of a site, normally found at the bottom of a page. The date should change every year, and if it has not been updated in three years or more, consider the content. When in doubt let the editor make the judgment. Generally, the newer the site is, the better it is. But a site that covers a short-term event may be out-dated by the time it gets featured. Also, consider its helpfulness in Cool Spots. Will the site age well? A site about the 1998 Iditarod might not be of much interest to a middle school student in 2006.